Farewell 2009, and Good Ridden

I didn’t write very much last year because my life was consumed with situations that I “couldn’t” write about. So I was respecting other’s privacy and I am glad to say goodbye to 2009.

I am thankful for all the wonderful life lessons that I learned along the way, and I am thankful for the strengthened relationship that I have with God. We have been through a bit this year now God & I are pretty tight. :-) Ok, maybe I’m still clinging to his pant legs (or robe), but either way I’ve accepted that fact that I need Him dearly. It is because of Him that I can walk out of 2009 a better daughter, friend, wife, mother, and woman.

2009 was quite a year:

A battle with cancer that truly tested limits, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Relational roller coasters

And then the year ended with the deaths of my step-dad and grandmother (my mom’s mom). My poor mom’s world was turned upside down at Christmas.

However I can still say that 2009 was QUITE a year!

My mom is beginning to cope with all the secrets that are being revealed about her husband’s life. My heart breaks for her, but I know that God will pull her through this crazy time.

My dad kicked cancers butt! He had battled with liver cancer while being on dialysis for kidney disease and this Gladiator of a man fought and won. The cancer had grown so big and resisted all chemo, and then after the doctors tried all that they could, we turned to family prayer: all 12 kiddos, and eight grandkids. Then within days the tumor started dissolving… granted it turned into liquid that had to be drained, LOTS of liquid that had to be drained. The draining process took another 2 months, but all is heading in the right direction. We are not completely out of the woods yet, but I am thanking God that my Dad’s appetite is back, that he is looking stronger, healthier, and happier. I’ll write more during another post, because the story is truly amazing. I have received permission to share this wonderful journey with you and to give God all the glory that He deserves. (The doctors are still baffled… and amazed).

All roller coaster rides have been exited and are no longer in operation.

Lost Dog, Will Sleep & Snuggle for Food

A month ago, on Thanksgiving night we nearly hit a dog running across a busy road. Because we were expecting our first big freeze and I can’t bear the thought of an animal suffering, I talked Corey into stopping the car so that I could try to rescue it. That in itself was quite an adventure.

I thought that we would only have to take care of it for maybe three days, maximum. But no. I have posted this baby on Craigslist and five other animal finding websites, called shelters, taken him for multiple walks 30 minutes away in the neighborhood that we found him (hoping that HE knew where he lived or that the owner would spot us).

A few times, the walks were in freezing rain. All the poor dog wanted to do was quickly pee on every tree in sight and get back to the car. So we still have him.

During one of the walks, the postal carrier told me that people just dump their dogs in that area hoping that they would find a home. It tool me awhile to pick my mouth up off the ground and respond. I just couldn’t believe it.

The kids have named him Tiny. (I think that he looks like Yoda. This picture makes me laugh. He is pouting. He wants to sit in my lap and I am making him sit a few feet away from me so that I can get some photos. He looks so mistreated and sad).

He gave up on me. “Fine if I can’t sit on your lap, I’ll just sit on your couch.”

“No more pictures… I’m on break.”

“I’m getting sleepy…. very very sleepy.”

I don’t know very much about Miniature Pinchers, but I think that they just might be part mouse.

And Tiny Yoda is out. He is the sweetest little dog. Even Corey likes him (and isn’t allergic to him), which is a miracle. I am going to give finding him a home ONE more try then I think that we just might have to adopt him.

I just can’t believe his owner hasn’t claimed him. Someone put in a lot of effort to train him. He’s house trained. He dances with Lauren. (She swears he knows the two-step. She doesn’t even know the two-step). He doesn’t bark inside the house. (I haven’t heard of a MinPin that didn’t bark inside. I’m easily amazed).

Hopefully his owner will suddenly appear. I would be frantic trying to find my puppy. I don’t even want to imagine how sad his owner is without this snuggly puppy.

Technorati Tags: Lost MinPin,Min Pin,Miniature Pincher

Such a Sweet Secret Santa!

There is just something about receiving a package with your name on it in the mail that instantly brightens your day. 

 

Oh. The. Anticipation!

I loved the beautifully wrapped gifts.  I felt like a little kid again.  (Just picture me jumping up & down in my kitchen, while clapping my hands.  Yes.  I know.  I can’t help myself.  Hey, I was excited).

After I ripped the wrapping paper off like a mad woman, throwing it in all directions.  (A piece or two, may or may not have ended up hanging from the light fixture above the island).  I was shocked by all the great goodies that I discovered. 

A snowman… My secret Santa is a genius.  I have just recently started collecting them and I was thrilled to have another.

Yankee Candle… It doesn’t get much better than this.  (My husband loves this scent!)

A beautiful sparkling ornament

A cute Christmas coffee mug that is just begging me to make some hot chocolate.

Speaking of chocolates… My kids loved these.  I didn’t keep a close enough eye on them and they were devoured. 

The Christmas pillow says it all.  Lauren likes to read it each morning.  It has become part of her daily routine.

And a notebook that makes me want to write.  It is beautiful.  Pinks. Blues. Paisleys.  Roses.  Most definitely a version of heaven for me. 

And suddenly, my world is brighter. 

I am so thankful to my secret Santa and amazed at how well he/she seemed to know me (and I haven’t made that easy lately… I haven’t blogged in quite sometime).  You have brightened my day.  I really appreciate being thought of. 

Thank you.

J

Merry Christmas everyone.  I hope everyone enjoys celebrating Jesus’ birthday today!

Thankful Thursdays

During a search for a blog Thankful Thursdays meme to link to, I found this cute picture at the Rose Colored Glasses that seems to say it all.

Seriously!  I don’t think that anyone else could have said it better (Thanks God). 

 

I was unable to find a blog that hosted this meme and offered a place where others could link and also give thanks, but I did find Grace Alone which seems to be the Home of Thankful Thursdays.  If anyone is interested in joining in giving Thanks then, click on the link and grab a button.  You are welcome to link up here and share your Thankful Thursday blog post or if you would like, please feel free to use the comment section below.

 

I always enjoy hearing from another person’s thankful heart.  It brings a smile to my face and sometimes it can change our own hearts, even revealing things that we may take for granted.

All that being said, here’s my list for this Thankful Thursday:

*** My God

I am so thankful for the love that He has shown me throughout my life.  I am thankful for the grace He has given me and for forgiving me for the stupid mistakes that I have made in my life.  I am thankful for the many amazing blessings that He has given me.  (My kids are the best).  And I thank Him and rely on Him daily to help make me a better person so that I may do HIS will. 

*** My Husband

I love the way that he makes me laugh.  I love his silliness.   I am thankful that I am married to this crazy man.

*** My Daughter

I had a hard time choosing just one photo of my little princess.  I love and am thankful for her sweet tender heart.  I pray that she doesn’t have to endure any great hurts that may harden that beautiful heart of hers.  She is so caring and always wants to help take care of others.

And like her daddy, I love her silliness.  She adores making people laugh and has no problem with making them laugh at her expense.  I pray that her little light will always continue to shine just as bright bringing so much happiness to all around her.

*** My Son

Oh MY!  Am I ever so thankful for this little man!  He melts my guarded heart with his tenderness.  While some people go out of their way to hurt and cut people down.  He goes out of his way to build people up and make people feel loved.  I pray that this love of his will continue to teach others to be kind and loving and that the world will not change him, but instead he will change the world.

*** Health

Lately, so many people have been fighting sickness and I am very thankful that he have all been fortunate and have remained healthy. I pray for the others that have been exposed to sickness and I hope they all get better soon.

*** My Boxers

They are the sweetest little yard destroyers that I know.  I do love them and am so thankful that Corey bought them both for our family.  They are a gift that keeps on giving.

*** My Extended Family

We have been blessed with amazing parents, grandparents, siblings and now nieces & nephews.  I am so thankful for all of them.

*** My Camera

I still have so much to learn and am enjoying the journey.  I am thankful for being able to capture so much wonderful memories to share with future generations. 

*** My Online/Offline Friends & Readers

Every individual wants to feel loved and understood and I am thankful for the support and friendship of all.

*** Lauren Lynn

The amazing magician that colors my hair.  ok. Seriously, I just had my hair highlighted and colored and she did an absolutely amazing job.  I love it.  I just want to swish my hair around like the girl from the shampoo commercials.  Thanks Lauren.  If anyone in the Tulsa area wants to make an appointment with her because she is that awesome… her business number is 918-587-2566.

*** A Clean House

 Corey bought us a new vacuum.  I am super excited.  For the last few months I have been sweeping our carpet with a broom and borrowing vacuums from  others.  I know that this may be a  silly thing (materialistic) but it’s the convenience and all the free time that I see in my future that makes me excited.   And a clean floor… just the thought of the clean, dust free floor makes me want to roll around on the carpet.  Thank you baby.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

*** Paying it Forward -

Here’s the full story.

I know time is sparse during this time of the year, but if you have a moment to spare I would love to hear why you are giving thanks today.

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Technorati Tags: Thankful Thursdays

Beware of these Sly Little Devils

I will be honest here, calling these CROOKS a devil is one of the nicest names that are coming to my mind at this moment.

Here let me back up a moment to fill you in, then you will sympathize and we can call them names together.

Earlier today I was responsibly working away on my computer when I came across this email: 

****************************************************

Hello Guest Visa Card

Your credit card is suspended, because we notice a problem on your card.

We determine that someone may be using your card without your permission. For your protection, we've suspended your credit card. To lift the suspension, Click here and follow the instructions indicate to update your credit card.

Note: If this is not complete on 11 November 2009, we will be forced to suspend your card indfiniment because it can be used for fraudulent

Thank you,
Customer Support Service

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Copyright 1999-2009 VerifedbyVisa. All rights reserves.

**********************************************************

If someone is quickly glancing at the email, and they overlook the fact that these CREEPS can’t spell (I don’t have much room to talk here) one would think that this email just might be legitimate.

If my grandmother was to receive this little note or even my mother, I could see them clicking on the link to correct the situation and to make sure that their card wasn’t cancelled.

When I saw it I knew it wasn’t valid because I don’t have a bank account linked to this email, so instead I grew angry on behalf of all the other people out there that may have had their identity stolen because of  the THEIVES that mass distributed this email. 

It’s sad that people are so cruel.  They don’t seem to even try to think of what they are doing to others or they may just not care.  Regardless of their lack of heart, I can only pray and ask  everyone to be careful this holiday season. 

Excuse me everyone, I have to go ask for forgiveness for cussing the CREEPS.  (And judging them a bit… I told you I’m a SCA member – Struggling Christian Anon)   Christians aren’t perfect, but with God’s help and a LOT of grace we can become better people through growth, maturity, and His wisdom.

Technorati Tags: Identity Theft

Sharp Dressed Men

   I can’t get that ZZ Top song out of my head.

There are a lot of handsome cowboys out there, but I don’t think there are any that are much cuter than this little man.  He melts my heart with his loving ways everyday.

Watch out bad guys… He is here to protect and serve.

 

And he has incredible aim.

 

I have to say, he comes by his silliness honestly.  Here is the cowboy’s disco dad.

As Evan likes to say, He’s superfly for a white guy. 

I love these crazy guys!!!!

Technorati Tags: Costume,dress up,never grow old

These kids keep us young!

Paying It Forward!

My morning today started like most mornings… too early.  I would have loved to stay in bed with my husband and snuggle up and sleep in, but duty calls.  I woke up and began getting Lauren ready for school and taking care of all the other normal motherhood responsibilities.  All the while I was thinking about my husband asleep (or should I say resting… it’s impossible to sleep when the kids & I are on the other side of the bedroom wall eating breakfast and doing dishes) wishing that I was snuggled up next to him.  God I love that man.

Sorry about that.   My mind drifted off again.  I can’t help it.  There aren’t many things that can make me happier than the feeling of his arms holding me when I’m snuggled up close to him.  Like I said, I love that man.

Ok, where was I?  Oh yea, my morning.  (I think that I just may or may not have a mild case of ADD lately.  I seem to be easily distracted.  It makes cleaning the house a LOOONG nightmare). 

So after the kids were ready and we all kissed that handsome man that was resting in my bed farewell, we took Lauren to school.  Then Evan & I were off to enjoy one of our favorite times of the day.  We take a little trip to Starbucks so that I can get a much needed dose of caffeine and he gets a dose of sugar ( a WC mocha and a box of chocolate milk).  We laugh, talk, read books, and tell stories.  It’s our special time of the day.  100% complete, undivided attention therefore building a stronger friendship/relationship.

As always I pulled up to the window to get our goodies so that the fun can begin.  It’s needless to say that there is a smile of anticipation plastered across my face, but I’ll say it anyway… there was a HUGE smile across my face.  Then the sweet barista at the window just says thank you and hands me my order.  I tried to pay again, and she tells me that it’s already been taken care of.  Well I’m slow.  That doesn’t happen to me.  So I tried to explain that she must be mistaken and I tried to give her my card… again.  She laughed at me… again.  And said that it was already taken care of by the gentleman in line in front of me. 

Then I started looking around.  It was at that moment that I realized just how UN-observant that I really am.  I was thinking to myself… there was a car in front of me?  Of course there was… I wonder what kind it was… what color was it… blue… I think.  All I could remember about the car in front of me is that the license plate holder had a phrase on it that said… Try it… you might like it.  Other than that.  I had nothing. 

After a moment I realized I had been playing with Evan… making silly faces and visiting with him.  I have a big car that sits up high and Evan was sitting directly behind me.  So to the person in the car in front of me… it probably looked like I was alone… making funny, goofy, and probably gross (I’m playing with a little boy… they like gross… it makes them giggle… and the giggle is worth it) faces.   I’m sure that the scenario was probably an entertaining one.

However, since I was unable to thank my audience I felt obliged to keep the kind gesture going and I paid for the order of the person behind me.  (I got quite a deal).   

So thank you to the person driving the blue car. 

To everyone else:  Please keep the random acts of kindness going.  It’s the first step in making this world a better place.

Technorati Tags: Pay It Forward,Random acts of kindness,Starbucks

Back In The Day

Nearly a decade ago, I used to live pretty close to this area of Tulsa. I loved it. I would walk my dog on the trails of Riverside everyday. I enjoyed crossing the bridge and listening to the sound of the water below.

My brother-in-law proposed to my sister on this bridge. He lit a wooden sign that said “Marry Me” in flames. Now I can’t pass this bridge without thinking of romance. (Deep breathe… and sigh).

I loved the site of the sun setting and the glow of the Downtown Tulsa skyline in the distance.

I enjoy the peace & quiet of our suburban/country lifestyle, but I still can’t drive past Riverside without missing the area and the convenience (I didn’t have to drive far to find anything that I might need…. I would be embarrassed to tell you how many miles I put on my car just this last year).

So Sad

We all have our issues, but this people loving critter, Luke, has serious issues with Mondays. Lauren & Evan are not at home, and I’ll be honest… I don’t play chase or hide & seek with him. They have only been away for an hour and just look at this pouty face.

Technorati Tags: Boxer,Pets,Dogs,Lovable,Baby,Spoiled Rotten

The Wind

(photo borrowed from usps.org)

Earlier today my sister called me to chat a bit and while on the phone, she came across a card that had the following message.  We all go through tough times in our life, and this outlook made me smile.

One of the things that surprised me about sailing is that the same wind can take the boat in all directions.  It depended on where I steered with the rudder and how I set my sail.  I’m trying to apply this principle to the rest of my life.  I can’t control the winds that blow, but with God’s help I can set sails accordingly.  I can look for the beauty in people who treat me unfairly. I can try to counter criticism with affirmation.  Even contrary winds can be used by God to teach me something new.

Sometimes when you are in the midst of turmoil, it is difficult to surrender without feeling like you are giving up.  However when you reach this point this is the time to stop and drop to your knees and pray, because without God’s help there is no idea where you will end up.  More than likely, you will end up in the same situation at a different time with a different person  going through the same thing.  Unless you look to God, many of us don’t learn the lesson that is in front of us, staring us in the face.

Not to be completely thought-fragmented but this card has encouraged me to have a giveaway.

There is a book that I read recently and I value the lesson in this book.  It was originally written as a business book… a book for management and employees, but it applies to many different relationships in life (parent/child, husband/wife, management/employee).

So I will be giving away this book next Friday, November 6th.  (I can’t believe it is 2 days away from November.  It feels like it was January just yesterday).

To enter:

1.  Comment below about your Halloween plans. 

2.  Tweet about this awesome contest. :-) Come back and leave a comment and a link to your tweet.

3.  Become a follower on this blog.

* Please leave separate comments for each entry

Oh!  Stay tuned.  I will be having a scrapbooking related giveaway VERRRRY SOOOON.

I Now Know…

… where Alabama (I’m in a hurry – and I don’t know why) is coming from!  I feel like rushing around is all that I have been doing recently.  I need an assistant or a partner that wants to help.  Wait!  Isn’t that what a partner does… there may be a few arrangements out there where one person does all the work, but that isn’t what I’m looking for.  I want the real deal baby. 

Lately, I am beginning to wonder if the Earth truly is flat and I have fallen off the side. 

(photo borrowed from www.icis.com)

I hope that I am able to find the time to return soon.  I have missed my friends!  I have missed sharing and connecting with my amazing peeps. 

During the last few months I have learned how valuable it is to have a good support system.  I don’t know what I would do if it wasn’t for my sister-in-law and my mother-in-law!  They have both stepped up and helped out with my kids many times so that I could help my dad and help take him to doctor appointments.  I am so thankful to them both, but that’s another blog post for later.

I have to go, but I will leave you with a promise (or threat… it all depends on how you look at it).

I’ll be back.  (Spoken with my best Arnold Schwarzenegger accent)

Until Then,

Jess

Have I mentioned I love gadgets?

Oklahoma Sunsets

Recently I took a photography class and I can’t express how much that I have learned from it.  This is homework from a class covering “flash”. 

This is a subject where I have needed a lot of help.  I can’t count the number of pictures that I have taken at family gatherings and cookouts that have turned out like this one below. 

The background is black and the subject is blinded from the flash going off directly in their face.  It doesn’t even have to  be technically dark outside for the background to be black.   

Well this particle session of the class has changed my mamarazzi days forever.  I learned how to capture the beautiful Oklahoma sunsets in the background while still being able to capture everyone’s faces.

 

It sounds easy enough… and now it is. 

However, it wasn’t that long ago that when I tried to take a picture with the sun setting in the background and the picture above was the result of my feeble attempt.

Now I get to rejoice and capture shots with color like this one. 

Isn’t God an absolutely amazing artist!!!  Fall sunsets are one of the most brilliant works of art.  Absolute perfection.

Now that I have this new found knowledge I can’t wait to take a million pictures of my kids and husband during sunsets.  Guess what kids, you now have a later bedtime!  Yes, for real.  You can thank Mommy’s photography teacher for that. 

Just in case anyone was wondering, I took my classes at Aperature Photo in Tulsa.  I highly recommend anyone who owns a digital SLR camera and lives in the Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, or Arkansas area to take this class.  My instructor, Zane, is pictured above and if you do decided to take one of his classes, please tell him that Jessica Stubbs sent you. 

He may not remember me by name, he does have quite a few students.  However, if you tell him what camera that I use he just might remember.

Thought for the post:

If he knew that I was going to post my homework on my blog, I wonder if he would have volunteered to model while teaching class?

Until Next Time.

Jess